Applications, Forms and Fees

How is a Subdivision Application evaluated?

conformity of the proposal to local planning legislation, The Municipal Development Plan, any Area Structure Plan, and Land Use Bylaws;

conformity to the provisions of the Municipal Government Act and the Subdivision and Development Regulation.

Why Might a Subdivision Be Refused?

If the proposed subdivision does not meet the criteria set out in the statutory plans, the applicant may consider asking for an amendment to them. A typical example might be an applicant proposing a multi-parcel country residential subdivision in an area zoned exclusively for agriculture. The applicant must first apply to change the designation of the entire zoned area of the subject land to include the country residential use classification. Such an action may also require amendment of a Municipal Development Plan or Area Structure Plan. The municipality would hold public hearings, consider the merits of the proposal and make a judgment accordingly. If the application meets the provincial and municipal planning legislation, the next step is evaluation of the specific site characteristics. This analysis includes evaluation of:

boundaries and building locations;

topography (is there a suitable building site?);

soil characteristics (suitability for drainage or sewage);

storm water collection;

adequacy of water supply (quantity and quality);

road accessibility and internal roads;

erosion, slope, environmental concerns;

other matters the Subdivision Authority considers relevant.

To assist in evaluation, the Subdivision Authority may refer the application to other agencies for comment, these may include: Alberta Registries; school authorities, Alberta Agriculture, Food, and Rural Development; Department of Sustainable Resource Development, Department of Environment, Department of Transportation, the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board, irrigation districts, adjacent municipalities, encumbrancees, and other persons or authorities whose input would assist in evaluating the application. Adjacent landowners will be notified of the application and may provide input or appear at hearings if hearings are held. Adjacent landowners do not have to be notified if the application is part of an Area Structure Plan or a conceptual scheme and public hearings have been held. Notification may occur at the discretion of the municipality.